Yudi Dhawale’s fascination with tribal communities worldwide led him to the sounds of nature and, ultimately, to the rhythmic beats of the Djembe, a West African drum. Inspired by his experiences, Yudi established a drum circle community in Pune. “I wanted people to engage and listen to the beats of the Djembe throughout the year,” says Yudi, founder of Pune Drum Circle.
Many others, like Yudi, have discovered the benefits of drumming through drum circle events, sharing this passion with a growing community. The origins of drum circles can be traced back to ancient and medieval cultures across the globe, where they were used in religious ceremonies, celebrations, and warfare. Over time, these traditions evolved and spread, leading to the modern-day drum circle.
The community drum circle welcomes participants of all ages, with no prerequisites for musical knowledge or experience. “We’ve even had groups with visual impairments join our sessions,” says Varun Vishvesh, founder of Innovent Drum Circle.
The drum circle community in Pune has been steadily expanding, thanks to increased awareness about music and the activity itself. “Our first community drum circle took place in January 2019 with about 15 participants. That number has now grown to around 400-450 at a single event,” Varun adds. He believes that music has the power to help people forget their worries and be present in the moment. Other drum circle groups, such as Pune Drum Circle and Team Dhunn, share similar growth stories, largely attributed to word-of-mouth publicity.
The sense of community at these events is palpable, with many being free or charging only nominal entry fees. Events organized by Taal Inc follow a gift economy model, allowing attendees to contribute whatever they can at the end of the session. “We also have participants bringing food to share, exchanging stories, and bonding with one another after the sessions,” says Varun Venkit, founder of Taal Inc, which began its drum circle sessions in Pune back in 2006. Initially, the concept was unfamiliar to many, but it has since gained popularity, with some events attracting hundreds of attendees.
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